Rancho del Oso
Home Horse Pack Trips Trekking

 

"There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man".
Winston Churchill

Rancho del Oso is the place for adventure-oriented activities in the Copper Canyon area of the Sierra Madre mountains. The Rancho offers high-quality, challenging  horse packing and trekking trips deep into the Canyons. These trips use exclusive backcountry campsites where we store extra equipment to insure your enjoyment and comfort.
After breakfast, everyone is eager to hit the trail.

 

Shortly after leaving the ranch, we cross a stream and give our mounts a drink.

The Rancho del Oso began with the purchase of a single horse in 1993 and has grown to include a large herd of mountain horses and mules supporting a variety of wilderness adventures. Riding and packing stock are selected and trained to provide the safest possible experience in backcountry riding and transport of camping gear and supplies. Western saddles are used for riders and both Decker and sawbuck packsaddles are used with hard sided PVC and soft-sided nylon panniers for transporting gear. We are the original outfitter for Copper Canyon horseback trips and the only outfitter who owns their own stock for these trips. When you travel with us, you travel with people who live and work in this exciting region. You also travel with a company that gives back to the area through scholarships, support of medical and dental missions, and projects supporting education in the area.

After a day on the trail, nothing beats a hearty meal cooked over an open fire.
Backcountry trips are accompanied by a horse wrangler and a bilingual guide. The guide interprets both human and natural history. More importantly, he is known and respected by mountain mestizos and by shy Tarahumara Indians who frequently welcome him (and you) into their homes. Your guide's knowledge and experience ensures your safety and enjoyment on the trail.

One vehicle-accessible campground and several backcountry campgrounds offer secure camping with year-round water while minimizing environmental impact. These, the first permanent campgrounds in the Sierra, are used by our groups and are also available to other individuals and groups.

Should you wish to make a reservation for yourself or for a group, contact us directly  or through one of our agencies and let us assist you in planning a memorable trip.

Seasonal Changes

A level trail overlooking the canyon interior.

Weather conditions limit Batopilas rides and treks to the cooler, drier months starting in mid-October and lasting through March. Weather during these months generally consists of warm days with cool, crisp nights with night-time temperatures dropping below freezing in the mountains, there is little chance of rain.

The Mancines family house at Naranjo is one of our overnight stops.

Late March and early April are generally warm, dry periods with cool nights. May and June are the hottest, driest months with clear, cool nights and excellent riding in the high country. Some of the best riding is done during the summer months of July through September when late afternoon thunderstorms bring life-giving rain resulting in verdant landscapes, dramatic cloud formations, colorful flowers, and cool afternoon temperatures. Our regularly scheduled back-country trips are individually described under Horse Packing and under Trekking. Guests who lack the time for one of our multi-day trips may consider shorter rides in the vicinity of the ranch. Our horses are available for $10 USD/hour (2-hour min.) on the several trails surrounding the ranch.

People of all ages have taken our trips and returned home with a greater appreciation for this land and those who live here.

Payment: No payment is due until you have requested a ride or hike and availability has been confirmed. At that time we ask you to deposit $250 (USD) to hold your space. Full payment is due 60 days prior to departure. Payments may be made by check or money order sent to our El Paso address or electronically using Paypal to doug@mexicohorse.com.

Starting into Arroyo Hondo, we catch a glimpse of the Urique canyon ahead of us.

Price of Trips Includes: Transfers from the Bahuichivo train station to our ranch, all hotel and camping accommodations during the ride, bilingual guide and Mexican wranglers, use of stock with saddlebags, transportation of personal items up to a predetermined weight, welcome cocktail and drinks as specified, all meals except where specified in Batopilas, and use of a tent.

Not Included: Transportation from your place of residence to the Bahuichivo Train station, hotel accommodations prior to the trip, tips to staff, tips in hotels and restaurants, insurance, alcoholic beverages except where specified. Participants are required to bring their own sleeping bag and pad unless other arrangements have been made.  

All material is copyright 2000-2010 by Barranca de Urique, S.A. de C. V. unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved.
 Rancho del Oso,  P. O.  Box 31089,  El Paso,  TX,  79931
 For inquiries & reservations please e-mail:
Our U.S. representative is  Nichols Expeditions
1-800-648-8488 or 1-425-259-3999, email info@nichols expeditions.com
Para reservaciones o preguntas, escriba por correo electrónico a
 En México, tel. a (614) 421-3372 (Chihuahua, Chih.)
 Für Reservierungen oder Rück Fragen bitte e-mail an senden
 Updated 06/10/2010